An early-morning fire broke out in the prep building for Sabina's Restaurant on Union Avenue Friday. The restaurant and patio were not affected and remain open. (ERICA MILLER, emiller@saratogian.com)

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The food preparation building at Sabina's Wood Fired Restaurant on Union Avenue across from the Saratoga Race Course entrance was struck by fire early Friday, but the owner assured patrons that the restaurant is operating business as usual.

The restaurant and patio were not affected, owner Joe Devivo confirmed. The fire was contained to a building used for food preparation and storage next to the restaurant.

According to police, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department arrived within 4-1/2 minutes of the fire call.

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Fire crews reported heavy smoke and heat conditions throughout the structure when they arrived.

No injuries were reported in the blaze, which started at about 5:30 a.m. and resulted in water and smoke damage to the small building, a fire official said.

The restaurant is located at 237 Union Ave. near the intersection of East Avenue. Traffic in the area was disrupted during the incident as westbound lanes of Union Avenue from East Avenue to Ludlow Street were closed to traffic.

Investigators were on the scene Friday morning. It was determined later that the cause was a malfunctioning electrical clothes dryer.

The restaurant was closed for breakfast Friday, but will be open at 9 a.m. Saturday and will continue its normal business hours.